The ruins of the west front of Downhill House at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, County Londonderry | © National Trust Images/Robert Morris

Northern Ireland

Bishop's Gate walking trail

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Downhill Demesne with its scenic sheltered gardens and clifftops. Visit the apple orchard in the walled garden and the striking 18th-century folly, Mussenden Temple, originally inspired by the Tivoli Temple of Vesta.

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Total steps: 5

Start point

Bishop's Gate, grid ref: C761354

Step 1

Start at the Bishop's Gate entrance to the Demesne and enter into the Bishop's Gate Gardens.

Gardener working in the bog garden at Bishop's Gate at Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House, County Londonderry — Gardener working in the bog garden at Bishop's Gate | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Step 2

Take the right track and pass through a arboretum with many rare tree species.

Visitor walking in Bishops Gate Garden at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, County Londonderry — Visitor in Bishop Gate Garden at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Step 3

Follow signs for Mussenden Temple and you will soon leave the trees behind to enter an area of open grassland with views of the majestic ruins of Downhill House.

Step 4

You can turn left towards the Walled Garden or explore the ruin – either way the paths will lead you towards Mussenden Temple, perched on the cliff edge. From here you can enjoy dramatic views of the Inishowen Peninsula.

A visitor and child standing in a field of yellow flowers with Mussenden Temple in the background, with other visitors flying kites in the distance — Visitors enjoying kite flying at Mussenden Temple | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Step 5

Follow the path along the cliff towards the east and you will come to a small collection of trees: take the stile on the left side. Steps lead you down to the pond and back to Bishops Garden.

Bishop's Gate bog garden at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, surrounded by lush greenery and flowers — Bishop's Gate bog garden at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne | © National Trust Images/Steven Hanna

End point

Bishop's Gate, grid ref: C761354

Trail map

Downhill Demesne Walking Trail | © GIS/NTI

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP

02870848728

mussendentemple@nationaltrust.org.uk

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Bishop's Gate walking trail

Total steps: 5